The Sun: Top Seven Myths

Scientifically speaking, the sun is star located in the center of the Solar System with hot plasma and magnetic fields. In mythological explanations, the sun involves in many ancient stories.

Sun Myth 1: The 10 suns according to Chinese mythology

Chinese legend said that there were ten suns in the sky. They were traveling individually with their mother – goddess Xihe. One day, they decided to appear together in the sky and at the same time. However, Dijun – the father of the sun – was so worried about the immense heat and decided to shoot the nine suns away. Finally, only sun was left.

The 10 suns according to Chinese mythology

Sun Myth 2:The Sun Orbits the Earth

While most of us believe that the Earth is the center of universe, it is hardly the case. An ancient astronomer found out that the sun is the fourth sphere from the center of universe.

The Sun Orbits the Earth

Sun Myth 3:Huitzilopochtli, Aztec God of Sun and War

Huitzilopochtli, also referred as “Blue Hummingbird on the Left” or "Left-Handed Hummingbird", is the God of the Sun and the war. Aztecs used to sacrifice to Huitzilopochtli by the heart of a living body.

Huitzilopochtli, Aztec God of Sun and War

Sun Myth 4:Surya, the Hindu Sun God

In ancient Hindu mythology, the sun god Surya has ability to heal sick and bring luck to people. That explains why Indian shopkeepers often place the symbol of sun over the doors and Surya is worshipped in all temples and festivals in India.

Surya, the Hindu Sun God

Sun Myth 5:Egypt's Ra

The Egypt’s ancient sun Ra is believed to be the creator god who gives sun the role of enabling people’s life.

Egypt's Ra

Sun Myth 6:Apollo

According to some legends, the son of Zeus - Greek deity Apollo – rides fire chariot through the sky everyday to shine the world

Apollo

Sun Myth 7:The Inuit Moon and Sun Gods

The Unuit in Alaska, Greenland and the Arctic has a traditional explanation for solar eclipse. The sun goddess Malina had a quarrel with her brother moon god Anningan. Anningan later followed the sun goddess and became thinner and thinner. When Anningan disappears, he is believed to go away to eat.